Renée Steinig first did genealogical research in the late 1970s, inspired by a cousin who made it look easy. Eighteen years later, she began to accept clients. Her specialties include New York research, locating lost friends and family, and due diligence for probate cases. A member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, she has testified as an expert witness in New York City courts.

Renée has moderated Gesher Galicia’s discussion group since 2006 and edits that SIG’s Family Finder. She is a past president and longtime board member of the JGS of Long Island and JRI-Poland’s Mielec Town Leader.

“It’s All in How You Ask: Getting the Most from Discussion Group Queries” (Fri-117), 8:30-9:45 A.M.

For thousands of Jewish genealogical researchers, the first places they turn when they need to identify a town, find a long-lost family member or understand a search result are the discussion groups of JewishGen and regional Special interest Groups. Longtime Jewish genealogical discussion group moderators Judy Baston and Renee Steinig will discuss what makes messages to the various Jewish genealogical discussion groups most –- and occasionally, least — effective.

How much information is needed to help someone provide a useful answer? And how much might be too much? What facts might attract the attention of someone familiar with the towns and families you are seeking — and what facts might be confusing?

Many of these guidelines can also be helpful for researchers sending queries through the JewishGen Family Finder, for example. The presentation will also include a brief overview of the guidelines under which discussion groups run and hosted by JewishGen operate.

[presented with Judy Baston]

Topic: Methodology